To many Canadians, the Toronto Ski + Snowboard Show (formerly the Toronto Snow Show) signifies the unofficial start of winter. The weather gets cooler, plaid sweaters come out of storage, and the unexpected October flurries on the drive home from work get us excited about the upcoming ski and snowboard season.

The Toronto Ski + Snowboard Show is still the best all-in-one event to learn about the latest equipment, shop for great deals, get your season passes, and plan your winter trips (plus the awesome Ski Swap), but here are 5 NEW reasons why the show is going to be a hit this year:

1. NEW DATES, CLOSER TO WINTER

You asked and we listened. The Toronto Ski + Snowboard Show will be taking place in later October this year, making winter that much closer.

Thursday October 26: 3 pm – 10 pm
Friday October 27: 12 pm – 10 pm
Saturday October 28: 10 am – 8 pm
Sunday October 29: 10 am – 6 pm

2. BRAND NEW ACTION ZONE

We’re calling it right now: the Action Zone is the place to be. Experience virtual reality skiing, try the ski simulator or roller skis, challenge your friends with our awesome Alpine Racer video game, or get your little ones comfortable on snowboards with the Burton Riglet Park. The Action Zone has something for all ages. Learn more about the Action Zone here.

3. MATCHSTICK MOVIE PREMIERE

Matchstick Productions will be premiering their brand new ski movie, Drop Everything (presented by Under Armour) in the Action Zone at the show. Drop Everything is an unexpected, fun-filled adventure through the world of freeskiing, featuring Mark Abma, Markus Eder, Eric Hjorleifson, Dody Townsend, and many more.

4. GIVING BACK WITH A FOOD DRIVE

Although Winter is our favourite season, leading into the holidays can often be a difficult time for those less fortunate. We’ve been looking for a way to give back to the local community and are proud to announce that the show has teamed up with the Mississauga Food Bank. We’ll be collecting non-perishable food items (preferably canned fruit, protein, or vegetables) at the door, as well as monetary donations, to ensure we can lend a helping hand.

5. DESIGN A SNOWBOARD CONTEST

Calling all the creative crayon kids out there! The show will feature a colouring station for kids this year to design their very own snowboard artwork. A panel of judges will decide whose design reigns supreme, with the winning design being turned into a real-life snowboard! How cool is that?!

Plan on attending the show this year? Save $5 on an adult pass using code CSC5OFF or $5 off a family pass using code CSC5OFFFAM